"It sounds like you handled it well," Kong Junzhen said as he maneuvered the car into the flow of traffic. Tapping the steering wheel slightly.
Lixue stared out the window, watching the city blur past. "Maybe," she replied softly. "But I still feel like there’s so much I don’t know. It’s overwhelming."
Junzhen glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "The boss always says the most important thing is to take the first step. Everything else falls into place with time."
She smiled faintly at his words. It was the kind of advice Mo Ran would give—direct, pragmatic, and oddly reassuring. She rested her chin on her hand, her thoughts drifting to the evening ahead.
The Yu family gathering loomed in her mind like an unwelcome storm cloud. She had avoided their suffocating presence for years, and stepping back into that place felt like walking into a trap.
"Young madam, if I may ask..." Junzhen’s voice broke through her thoughts, hesitant but sincere. "You seemed distracted earlier. Is something weighing on you?"
Lixue blinked, caught off guard. She hesitated before answering, unsure of how much to share. "Just... family matters," she finally said, her tone guarded. "But it’s nothing I can’t handle."
Junzhen nodded without pressing further, but his expression was respectful. "Understood. If there’s anything I can do, you only need to ask."
They arrived at the house just as the sun began to dip below the horizon. Auntie Feng was already waiting at the door, her warm smile and presence created a small comfort in the chaos of Lixue’s thoughts.
"The dress is ready in your room, young madam," Auntie Feng informed her with a smile. "And the boss sent word that he’ll call before the gathering to check on you."
Lixue nodded, her heart tightening slightly at the mention of Mo Ran. She appreciated his support, even from afar, but part of her wished he were here.
"Thank you, Auntie Feng," she said before heading upstairs.
In her room, the emerald green gown laid elegantly on the bed, a reminder of the evening’s demands. She touched the fabric lightly, it felt soft and warm, she knew it wasn’t gotten from just anywhere.
The small card from Mo Ran laid on the dress and next to it was a shoebox. She picked it up again, rereading his words: "You’ll do great tonight."
With a deep breath, she squared her shoulders. Whatever awaited her at the Yu family gathering, she wouldn’t let it break her.
"Let’s get through this," she murmured to herself, setting the card back down.
As the clock ticked closer to the time of the Yu family’s gathering, Lixue began preparing herself. Auntie Feng helped her with her hair, styling it into an elegant bun that framed her delicate features. The emerald gown fit perfectly, accentuating her graceful figure while maintaining a modest air.
Standing in front of the mirror, Lixue adjusted the necklace Mo Ran had given her. It shimmered under the soft light, a small source of reassurance amidst her unease, she slipped on the ring and realized just how beautiful her ensemble was.
"You look stunning, young madam," Auntie Feng said with a warm smile, stepping back to admire her work.
Lixue forced a smile. "Thank you, Auntie Feng. I didn’t know you were this good at styling."
Auntie Feng smirked, she had been a hair stylist in her younger days, there was no hair she couldn’t handle.
As she descended the staircase, Kong Junzhen was waiting by the door. He straightened when he saw her, his usual professional demeanor softening for a moment.
"The car is ready, young madam," he said, bowing slightly.
"Let’s go," Lixue replied, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her.
The drive to the Yu family estate was silent, the tension in the air palpable. Lixue gazed out the window, the familiar streets bringing back a flood of memories she wished she could forget.
When they arrived, the grand estate loomed before her, its imposing gates swinging open as their car approached. The house was lit up like a beacon, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses already audible.
Kong Junzhen opened the door for her, and Lixue stepped out, her heart pounding. The last time she had been here, she had left with scars that still hadn’t fully healed.
As she approached the entrance, a familiar voice called out.
"Lixue! You’re finally here."
She turned to see Yu Jia, walking toward her with an air of practiced grace. Dressed in a shimmering silver gown, Yu Jia’s smile was as sharp as the edge of a blade.
"Yu Jia," Lixue said, keeping her tone neutral.
"You look... lovely," Yu Jia said, though her eyes betrayed a hint of jealousy. "It’s been so long. We were starting to wonder if you’d forgotten about us."
"..."
Didn’t she just threaten her some days ago?!
Lixue forced a polite smile. "How could I forget?"
Yu Jia’s laughter was light, but it carried a mocking undertone. "Come, everyone’s eager to see you. Mother has been talking about you all evening."
The mention of Qin Sayou made Lixue’s stomach churn, but she followed Yu Jia inside, determined not to let her discomfort show.
The grand hall was filled with well-dressed guests. Lixue felt the weight of their gazes as Yu Jia led her toward the center of the room.
"Lixue, darling!" Qin Sayou’s voice rang out, filled with saccharine and command. She approached with open arms, her expression a fake mask of warmth.
"Mother.." Lixue greeted, bowing slightly.
Qin Sayou pulled her into a brief embrace, her grip firm. "It’s been too long, my dear. We were beginning to think you’d forgotten your family."
"Of course not," Lixue replied, her voice even.
Qin Sayou’s eyes flicked to the necklace around Lixue’s neck, a spark of recognition and calculation flashing through them. "That’s a beautiful piece. A gift from your husband, I assume?"
"Yes," Lixue answered, her tone clipped.
"How thoughtful of him," Qin Sayou said, her smile tightening. "Well, come along. There are so many people who want to see you."